Mixed response to lifting Goa mining ban

Some express concern at cap on annual production

There were mixed reactions to Monday’s Supreme Court order lifting the 19-month-old mining ban in Goa and fixing a buffer zone of 1 km and a 20-million tonne cap on annual production.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar welcomed the order “allowing miners in Goa to resume operation.” Reserving his detailed response until he studied the order, Mr. Parrikar said, “Prima facie it appears that the contention of the Goa government that the mining operations should be decided by the State government is upheld by the Supreme Court.”

The Goa Mining Dependents Front (GMPF), an umbrella body comprising barge owners, truck owners, mining machinery owners, mining workers and other small businesses, said the order was “certainly a relief to stakeholders.”

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president John Fernandes said work should start immediately to mitigate the problems faced by miners’ families.

The Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association declined to comment saying it would like to get the detailed order. Industry insiders said the association was unhappy with the cap, buffer zone and “No” to dumps removal.